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Case Studies in Colorectal Cancer Vol. 4, No. 1

Release Date: July 16, 2008
Expiration Date: July 15, 2009

Publication Overview

Authors

Axel Grothey; Joleen Turja

Overview and Purpose

While the addition of an antiangiogenic agent to either first- or second-line chemotherapy is superior to chemotherapy alone in the treatment of metastatic colorectal cancer, no data exist on the effects of long-term administration of biologic therapy or of continuing the same drug beyond first progression. Anti–vascular endothelial growth factor antibody as maintenance therapy might potentially extend time to treatment failure based on the observation that its prolonged use has not been associated with increased risk of serious adverse side effects. In addition, variations in the timing of cytotoxic chemotherapy, such as continuous or intermittent administration, have been investigated in an attempt to improve survival results while minimizing dose-limiting neurotoxicities. Several recently reported studies have suggested that intermittent dosing of platinum-based cytotoxic regimens is safe, reduces toxicity, and can potentially improve progression-free and overall survival.

The purpose of this activity is to assess the extended use of cytotoxic chemotherapy combined with an antiangiogenic biologic agent beyond standard first-line treatment of metastatic colorectal cancer in the context of an individual case study.

Target Audience

This publication is intended for medical oncologists involved in the care of patients with colorectal cancer. No specific skills or knowledge other than a basic training in oncology is required for successful participation in this activity.

Learning Objectives

Upon completion of this educational activity, you should be able to:

  • Evaluate the benefits of chemotherapy holidays or maintenance chemotherapy in extending treatment duration and survival in patients with metastatic colorectal cancer
  • Compare survival benefit of continuing antiangiogenic therapy beyond tumor progression to that of standard chemotherapy alone in patients with metastatic colorectal cancer
  • List common adverse events associated with antiangiogenic therapy
  • Assess the safety impact of continued or extended antiangiogenic therapy for metastatic colorectal cancer Target Audience

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Joleen Turja, MD
No relevant relationships to disclose

Axel Grothey, MD
Research Funding – sanofi-aventis U.S.
Paid Consultant – Amgen, Bristol-Myers Squibb Company, Genentech, Inc., Roche Pharmaceuticals, sanofi-aventis U.S.

PER Editorial Staff
No relevant relationships to disclose

This CME activity might include discussion of investigational and/or unlabeled uses of drugs. If the activity includes discussion of investigational and/or unlabeled uses of a drug, specific information is located on the article page. Please refer to the full prescribing information for each drug discussed in this activity for FDA-approved dosing, indications, and warnings.

 

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The views and opinions expressed in this activity are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the views of the sponsor, supporter, or publisher. Although great care has been taken in compiling and checking the information given in this activity to ensure accuracy, the authors and Physicians' Education Resource and its servants or agents shall not be responsible or in any way liable for the continued currency of the information or for any errors, omissions, or inaccuracies in this activity, whether arising from negligence or otherwise howsoever or for any consequences arising therefrom.

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